Land ownership by foreign nationals and foreign companies in Bangladesh is subject to significant statutory restrictions. The State Acquisition and Tenancy Act 1950 prohibits direct land purchase by non-citizens in most circumstances. However, well-established legal structures give investors secure operational land rights. LegalBD advises on the full spectrum of land-related legal work for foreign investors.
Available Structures
- Long-Term Lease from Government — through BIDA, BEZA, or BEPZA for projects within designated zones; lease periods of up to 99 years are available
- Lease from Private Landowner — a Bangladesh-incorporated entity (including a wholly foreign-owned company) may lease privately owned land for commercial purposes; lease deeds must be registered under the Registration Act 1908
- Sublease within Economic Zones — BEZA and BEPZA zones offer plot subleasing under standardised developer agreements with simplified approval processes
Title Due Diligence
Before any commitment, thorough title verification is essential. We conduct:
- CS, RS, BS and SA Khatian verification at the Sub-Registry office
- Mutation (Namjari) and DCR status checks
- Encumbrance and mortgage searches
- Verification of Khas land status and government acquisition records under the Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Ordinance 1982
Documentation
We prepare and register Lease Deeds, Sale Deeds, Bainanama (agreement to sell), and Power of Attorney instruments at the Sub-Registrar's office. All documents are drafted for enforceability and stamp duty compliance under the Stamp Act 1899.